COVID-19 Resources

Here you will find the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and how it will impact long term care. We are committed to educating residents, employees and the general public about the importance of the vaccine in limiting the further spread of this deadly virus. Resources from the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) were used in creating this page.

Statement on Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution from President & CEO Mohammad A. Qazi

CDC – Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Why Are Long-Term Care Residents & Staff Being Made First Priority for the Vaccine?

• Current data shows that while COVID-19 cases in all long term care facilities account for 6 percent of total cases nationwide, they account for 40 percent of all COVID-19 related deaths.
• The average age of residents in long term care facilities is over 80 years old. Most individuals have underlying health conditions, and some have multiple chronic conditions. According to CDC data, the risk of mortality in this age group is 630 times higher than those 18-29 years old.

Is the Vaccine Being Mandated?

• Since this vaccine will be authorized under an emergency use authorization (EUA), it cannot be mandated by the federal government. However, the EUA does not expressly prohibit an employer, state or locality from requiring vaccination.
• At this time, our company does NOT have plans to mandate the vaccine for residents or employees, but we will continue to follow any changing state or federal guidance on this issue.
• We will ABSOLUTELY encourage and recommend that eligible residents and employees receive the vaccine as it is made available.
• More information on employer mandates is available here.

What Companies are Producing the Vaccine?

• Long term care will most likely get the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna. Both companies have produced COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

What is an mRNA Vaccine?

• To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines! Instead, these vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
• mRNA technology is new in vaccine production but has been used and studied in cancer treatment for more than 10 years. It has played a key role in the advancement of cancer research.

Is the Vaccine Safe?

• YES! Safety is the most important priority in vaccine approval. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is using the same strict standards it has for decades to ensure the vaccine is thoroughly and rigorously evaluated. No steps are “skipped”.
  
• Two independent advisory committees are reviewing the results of clinical trials. Members and experts of these committees have no conflict of interest and are not associated with any vaccine manufacturers.
• The Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) advises the FDA.
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises the CDC.
• To assess safety, the FDA typically advises that a minimum of 3,000 participants be included in a clinical trial. The current COVID-19 vaccine trials include 30,000 to 50,000 participants.

Is the Vaccine Effective?

• YES! Pfizer has reported a 95% overall efficacy, while Moderna has reported a 94.1% efficacy.
• "Efficacy" is defined as the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
• Similar efficacy was found across different race, ethnicity and age.
• Older adults represented 45% of the participants in the Pfizer trials (ages 56-85) and 23% of the participants in the Moderna trials (>65 years of age).

What Should Be Expected When Receiving the Vaccine?

• The vaccine will come in TWO doses, 3-4 weeks apart.
• BOTH doses are necessary. The vaccine will NOT be effective if only one dose is received.
• It is important to get the SAME VACCINE, as the initial dose, be it Pfizer or Moderna.
• Short-term discomfort – fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and pain at injection site – is possible.
• These reactions will last for 24-48 hours and are typically more pronounced after the second dose.
• Side effects mean a body is doing its job and making antibodies. THAT IS A GOOD THING!
• These side effects are normal, common and expected.
• Most side effects occur within 6 weeks of vaccination. Out of the utmost cautious and in order to ensure the most thorough and comprehensive review, FDA requires 8 weeks of safety monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccines.
• THE VACCINE CANNOT GIVE YOU COVID-19!

When and For How Long Will the Vaccine Provide Protection?

• Protection occurs 1-2 weeks after the second dose.
• How long the vaccine provides protection will be learned as more time passes in the current research.
• It is entirely possible COVID-19 vaccinations will be necessary on a regular basis, similar to the flu shot. Again, more will be learned as time passes.

It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have previously had COVID-19?

• YES! Even if you have previously had COVID-19, it is important to get vaccinated. It could provide longer or better protection against the disease.
• Even if you have positive antibodies, the COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended.

Will the Use of Masks Remain Necessary?

• YES! Similar to other vaccines, a large number of people in the general population will need to be vaccinated before transmission drops enough to stop the use of masks.

Where Should I Look for Accurate Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine?

• It is important to seek information from reliable sources. Social media is full of misinformation and opinions based on that misinformation.
• Here are some helpful links:
  • CDC
  • FDA
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Pfizer
  • Moderna
  • State and local health department websites are also great resources for locality-specific COVID-19 vaccine information.

What’s Next?

• We will keep residents and families of residents apprised of our vaccination plans as we continue to gather more information on distribution plans from state and federal agencies.

Facility Visitation Criteria

In the state of Michigan, before a facility can allow indoor visitation, it must meet the following criteria:

• The facility has had no new COVID cases originate in the facility within the prior 14 days.
• The local health department has not made a determination the facility is unsafe for visitation based upon local epidemiological conditions.
• The facility is in a county where the current Risk Level on the MI Safe Start Map is:
  • Low, A, B, C, or D
• The facility is not conducting outbreak testing.

Special Cases

In certain special situations, request for indoor visitation is not restricted by the above criteria.

Visitation Order Special Cases

For these visits , please contact the facility for further visitation guidance.

VISITORS - Important Testing Information

Pursuant to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Order, testing of ALL visitors is required if the facility is located in a county where the current Risk Level is C or D on the MI Safe Start Map. At the time the visit appointment is made, our facility will notify the visitor of the current visitor testing requirements based on county risk level and facility testing capabilities. When visitor testing is required:

• Our facility will perform point of care testing of all visitors prior to entry to the facility, whenever possible.
• If facility testing is not possible, a visitor must be tested on his or her own within 72 hours of arriving at the facility.
  • The visitor must provide proof of a negative test result upon entry to the facility.

VISITORS – Visitation Procedural Guidelines

If our facility meets the above visitation criteria and is permitted to allow indoor visitation, the facility and its visitors must comply with several procedural guidelines from MDHHS. The pertinent guidelines are as follows:

• Visits are by appointment only, and all visitation is to be monitored by facility staff.
  • Visits are limited to 30 minutes to allow staff time to clean the area between visits.
• A maximum of TWO visitors per resident will be permitted.
  • All visitors must provide name and contact information for the purpose of contact tracing.
  • All visitors must be 18 years or older.
• All visitors must wear a face covering for the duration of the visit.
  • Visitors refusing to wear a face covering will not be permitted to enter the facility.
• All visitors must be screened for fever, other COVID-19 symptoms, and known exposure to someone with COVID-19.
  • Our facility must exclude any visitor that fails the screening.
• Visitors must attest in writing that they will notify the facility if they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and known exposure to COVID-19 within 14 days of visit.

VISITORS - During Your Visit

• Visitors must keep social distance and refrain from any physical contact with all residents, staff and other visitors.
• Visitors must use alcohol-based hand rub before and after visitation, and any time during the visit as deemed necessary.
• Visitors must enter and exit through a specified area of the facility and follow a designated route to and from the visitation area.
• Visits will NOT take place in resident rooms, but in a designated visitation area.
  • Visitors must stay in the designated visitation area at all times.
• Visitors are prohibited from sharing food with residents.
• Pets are not allowed during indoor visits.
• Restroom access will be restricted, unless an emergency arises.
  • This policy is in place to ease the burden on our facility’s housekeeping staff.
• To ensure smooth and timely functioning of the visitation process, please do not engage facility staff with your concerns during your visit. If you have questions about guidelines or protocols, please complete your visit and address these concerns in an email or telephone call to the facility administration following your visit.

RESIDENTS - Criteria For Visitation

• Visits are prohibited with residents in isolation or under observation for symptoms of COVID.
• A resident must wear a surgical or procedural mask for the entirety of the visit, beginning at the time the resident exits his or her room.
• A resident has the right to refuse to receive visitors and the facility staff must honor those wishes. If this occurs, facility staff will attempt to connect the resident with their visitors by offering a window visit, or a live video/phone call. The resident may still choose to decline.
• We ask that residents limit their visits to one per day whenever possible out of consideration for others and limited scheduling opportunities.

REMEMBER, this is a stressful time! Everyone is doing their best to manage. Please be mindful of our residents, associates and other visitors to the building. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Our facility is taking appropriate measures, consistent with the guidelines and directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for the prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a viral infection that is caused by a distinct Coronavirus. The incubation period is two to fourteen (2-14) days, with the average being four (4) to five (5) days. This virus may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be potentially life threatening.

This facility endeavors to follow CDC and CMS guidance and to collaborate with State and Local health departments in its mitigating actions as we work through the necessary response to this unprecedented pandemic together.

Visitation and Family Communications Efforts

As of March 13, 2020, visits to all skilled nursing centers – ours included – have been restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

The facility has taken measures to provide virtual visits with loved ones, virtual family council meetings, and an enhanced facility website for increased communications during this period of restricted visits.

Screening Efforts

All associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will be screened and documented as directed by CDC and CMS guidance.

Our staff is monitoring residents daily for change in condition, including the presence of elevated temperatures and respiratory illness in our facility. Any residents showing signs consistent with the virus are monitored each shift or more frequently as needed.

Staff are being screened for elevated temperature and respiratory illness prior to and after each shift, and we are requiring staff to stay home if they are sick or display symptoms of the virus.

Mitigating Actions Implemented to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Transmission

The facility has several measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including, but not all-inclusive, as follows:

• Taking temperature readings for all associates, residents, and essential visitors per CDC guidelines.
• Monitoring for CDC-recognized symptoms including respiratory symptoms which may include cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.
• Suspending non-essential group outings.
• Limiting communal dining as needed.
• Reviewing resident activities on a case-by-case basis to safely provide socialization and engagement opportunities.
• Applying social distancing of six feet for any required group engagement. 
• Consideration to room placement for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, per CDC guidance.
• Source control for residents to include wearing a facemask or cloth covering per CDC guidance.
• The use of PPE according to CDC guidelines.
• Environmental/cleaning standard facility procedures followed per regulation and guidance.

Reminding those in our facility that they must:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Observe "social distancing" whenever possible.
• Use of a mask as indicated or appropriate.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick or when a loved one is sick.
• Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.

How has The Laurels worked to stop the potential spread of COVID-19?

• Our facility has been implementing and acting on guidance from external agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Health and Human Services at the state and local level since February 28, 2020.
• We have restricted visitors from entering our facility since the national advisement in mid-March, ceased group activities within the building, and have continually monitored residents and screened staff members and essential external personnel for symptoms according to CDC guidance.
• We are continually monitoring ALL residents for CDC-recognized symptoms and changes in conditions.

What happens if a resident tests positive for COVID-19?

• Residents who have tested positive receive supportive care in an appropriate care setting per CDC guidance. If additional treatment for a resident is required, we will transfer to the local hospital and communicate with loved ones accordingly.

Will the facility update me on the status of my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• If you have a loved one who has tested positive, we will communicate with you regularly and keep you apprised of any changes to his or her health. You are also welcome to call or email the facility at any time.
• If you have a loved one who has NOT tested positive, we will contact you if he or she is suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

How can I stay in contact with my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• You can send non-urgent messages – photos, updates, letters – to connecttomaplewoodmtpleasant@laurelhealth.com. A member of our staff checks this email daily and will relay your message to your loved one.
• We also encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

Why hasn't the facility tested my loved one for COVID-19?

• The attending physician, in conjunction with the county health department, is given ultimate decision authority by CDC and makes the decision on who and who not to test. It is not a decision made by administrative staff at the facility.
• It is important that we share our belief that skilled nursing facilities should be a higher priority for testing; that is, "universal testing" of both residents and staff to truly know the extent of COVID-19 in our community and throughout the state. Testing only those who are symptomatic, as we understand now, is not enough as many people who have the virus can spread it without showing symptoms (asymptomatic).

Does The Laurels have PPE?

• You probably have heard about PPE shortages in the news. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. Early on, PPE was in drastic shortages. We have been fortunate that our company has been able to secure PPE, though we have had to wait for what has seemed like a very long time to receive our supplies. With conservative practices in place as identified by CDC, we have PPE. Of course, it never feels like enough, but we have what we need today.
• That being said, we are in support of the goal to make skilled nursing facilities a higher priority for PPE. In lieu of PPE, items like homemade masks, aprons, lab coats, open-back gowns, coveralls, and ponchos – to name a few – can be used as alternatives to provide some level of protection, with CDC guidance and recommendations. We continue to accept donations of these items in the event future PPE shortages arise.

Why are skilled nursing facilities like The Laurels continually in the news?

• Unfortunately, much of what you hear about skilled nursing facilities (or "nursing homes") in the media today is negative. By and large, news outlets are not familiar with our health care setting or the services we provide, and it is reflected in how they report and cover our facilities. Rest assured, our team is full of caring and compassionate individuals who are working day and night to care for our residents and that is our priority.
• We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to see the many positive things happening in our facilities that often go unreported. Our employees remain committed to "exceeding expectations" even in an unprecedented time like this. Please feel free to leave a positive comment of encouragement or even share the positive vibes.

How can I stay informed of what is happening at the facility?

• Please be sure your contact information, including email address, is current. If you need to make changes or confirm your information, please call the facility.
• Periodically visit the facility website to see if there has been new information posted.
• Watch for opportunities to attend virtual gatherings, such as care plan meetings, family council meetings or other activities, some of which may be held by platforms such as Zoom.
• Schedule a window visit or virtual visit with your loved one. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

At The Laurels, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well being of our guests and our dedicated associates who care for them. We are doing everything in our power to keep your loved ones safe and healthy during this crisis.

Connect with Your Loved One!

• You can send non-urgent messages – photos, updates, letters – to connecttomaplewoodmtpleasant@laurelhealth.com. A member of our staff checks this email daily and will relay your message to your loved one.
• We also encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

LETTER - From CEO M Qazi - 3-15-2020

LETTER - Laurel to Hospital Partners Clarification of Admit Re-Admit Protocol - 4-7-2020

LETTER - The Laurels - Family Communications - 5-8-2020

Additional Resources

#CareNotCOVID - Share a message of support to our nursing home and assisted living residents

How to Protect Yourself and Others

LARA Letter to Families

LARA Health Care Facility Complaint Form

Medicare Scam Alert - CMS warning to Medicare beneficiaries

Holiday Resources

LETTER – Family Communications – Holiday Events – 11-11-2020

American Health Care Association COVID-19 Page

Center for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 Information

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Page

Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page

Just The Facts: What Caused COVID-19 Outbreak in Nursing Homes?

New York Times COVID-19 Tracker

Health Care Association of Michigan COVID-19 Page

June 15 MDHHS Emergency Order on Skilled Nursing Facility Testing

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page